Scope and Content

Manuscript item bound in a volume of printed pamphlets.

Summary: Dr. William Oldys (1636-1708), Advocate of the Admiralty, was ordered by the 'Lords of the Admiralty' to prosecute as pirates the privateers who - captured about a year before and committed to prison - claimed to be acting under commission from the exiled James II. Oldys declined to do so as it was his opinion that they were not pirates. As a result of this refusal Dr. Oldys was summoned to appear before 'ye Cabinett Councell' with 'Sir Thomas Pinfold, Dr. Newton, Dr. Waller, Dr. Littleton, Dr. Tyndall'. A record of the questions put to Dr. Oldys and his answers follows.

Text begins: 'Severall privateers were taken above a year since and detained in prison being English men & acting under K: J: com[i]ss[io]n'. Text ends: 'Dr. Oldiss was removed from his place, & Dr. Littleton made his successor'.